MILTON — A sentencing hearing scheduled this week for a former bus driver who pleaded guilty to six counts of child exploitation in federal court has been postponed until February 2013.

Wright, 46 at the time of his arrest and previously of 52A Charles St. in Milton, was taken into custody on Sept. 1, 2011, following an approximate seven-month long investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The investigation, which began in February of that year, led to a search warrant for Wright’s home, where computers and peripherals were seized which reportedly contained thousands of graphic sexual assault images of young children.

Among the pornographic files, investigators found several videos allegedly depicting Wright sexually assaulting three young disabled boys who were passengers aboard his school bus, operated by Provider Bus Services, to the Dover and Kittery, Maine area. Investigators reported Wright used hidden cameras in pens and sunglasses to record students aboard his bus, while he was sexually assaulted them.

In U.S. District Court in Concord, Wright pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting young children. Officials say he faces prison time of up to 160 years in prison.

On the state side of the case, where Wright has been charged with 20 other counts including indecent exposure, lewdness and the assault of the young children who live in both New Hampshire and Maine area, the Stafford County Attorney’s office reports they are waiting to see what federal prosecutors decide for Wright’s fate first.

Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi previously told Foster’s the sentencing considered by his office would “preclude Mr. Wright from being a part of general society for his lifetime.”

This week, Velardi said he was unaware Wright’s sentencing hearing planned for Thursday had been rescheduled for next year, and noted his office is still waiting to see if further state action should be taken. He could not address why the case was continued and U.S. Attorney John Kacavas could not be reached for comment to elaborate further.

Velardi noted a status conference is scheduled for Wright out of Strafford County Superior Court for Jan. 4, 2013. Velardi added since the case at the federal level has been continued, the court hearing in Dover may be continued until March.